Vacationing Obama makes 4 recess appointments

[August 20, 2010]  VINEYARD HAVEN, Mass. (AP) -- President Barack Obama is once again bypassing the Senate to install some of his long-blocked nominees.

Obama announced Thursday he's using his power to act while Congress is in recess to install officials at the Agriculture Department, the Health and Human Services Department, the Small Business Administration and the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador.

He said all four are highly qualified but have been forced to wait for Senate confirmation because of partisan obstruction.

The White House disclosed Obama's move soon after he arrived on Martha's Vineyard to begin a 10-day vacation.

[Associated Press; By MARK S. SMITH]

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